The icy surface of Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has captured scientists' attention. Compounds like carbon dioxide and salt have been detected there, suggesting that an ocean could be hidden beneath this thick ice crust.
The latest observations from the Webb telescope confirm that Europa's ice is not static. It constantly undergoes transformations due to particles from space. These discoveries are based on laboratory experiments published in
The Planetary Science Journal.
Europa's surface shows signs of geological activity, with salt and carbon dioxide that may originate from a subsurface ocean.
Credit: NASA/ESA/K. Retherford/SWRI
Dr. Ujjwal Raut and his team recreated these extreme conditions to understand how the ice transforms. This work confirms the Webb telescope's observations: the ice shifts between crystalline and amorphous forms. This could indicate more intense internal activity than previously thought.
A region called Tara Regio is of particular interest. It exhibits an unusual chemical composition with salt and carbon dioxide. These elements might rise from an ocean buried beneath the surface, strengthening the idea of a potentially habitable world.
Scientists have also detected a carbon isotope in this region: 13CO₂. Its presence suggests an internal origin and supports the hypothesis of a subsurface ocean. This greatly intrigues researchers, who hope to uncover Europa's secrets.
Studying Europa's surface helps us learn more about the chances of finding life there. This moon of Jupiter is one of the best places to search for signs of life beyond Earth, making it a prime target for future space missions.
What is amorphous ice?
Amorphous ice is a form of ice that lacks the ordered structure of the crystalline ice we know on Earth. It forms under extreme conditions, like those found in space, under intense radiation.
Unlike crystalline ice, where water molecules are arranged in a regular pattern, amorphous ice has a disordered structure. This unique feature gives it distinct physical and chemical properties.
On Europa, amorphous ice is produced mainly by the constant bombardment of charged particles from Jupiter's magnetic field. These particles break the ice's ordered structure, giving it its amorphous appearance.